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Other common
name(s): bovine tracheal cartilage (BTC)
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
The use of bovine cartilage is promoted as an alternative
treatment for cancer. The cartilage is extracted from various parts of
a cow, but usually comes from the trachea (windpipe). Cartilage is a
type of connective tissue that is found in the skeletal systems of many
animals, including humans. The major compounds in bovine cartilage are
proteoglycans, which are large molecules formed when proteins and
complex sugars are chemically linked together.
Overview
Although some laboratory and animal studies have shown that
components isolated from bovine cartilage have some ability to halt the
growth of cancer cells, these effects have not been studied in humans.
No well-controlled clinical studies have been published in the
available medical literature.
How is it promoted for use?
Bovine cartilage is promoted as a dietary supplement for the
treatment of cancer, osteoporosis, and other conditions. Supporters
claim that bovine cartilage may act in several ways: by directly
stopping or slowing cancer cell growth, by boosting the immune system
and reducing inflammation, and by preventing tumors from forming new
blood vessels.
What does it involve?
Bovine cartilage is available as a dietary supplement in pill
or powder form. It has also been used in an injectable form. It is
usually taken daily, but there are no widely agreed- upon standard
doses.
What is the history behind it?
The therapeutic potential of various types of cartilage have
been studied for more than 40 years. The first reported use of bovine
cartilage to treat a person with cancer was in 1972. John F. Prudden,
MD, a New York surgeon, treated 31 patients with various types of
cancer over several years. He published the results of this treatment
in 1985. While his initial report showed a high response rate, it was
not a formal clinical trial, and some patients also received
conventional treatment along with bovine cartilage. Clinical trials
done since then have not been able to duplicate these results.
While bovine cartilage is still available as a dietary
supplement, interest in its use to treat cancer has dwindled in recent
years as a result of the increased popularity of shark cartilage for
this same purpose (see "Shark
Cartilage").
What is the evidence?
There is some evidence from laboratory and animal studies that
substances in cartilage may have an effect on the immune system and on
angiogenesis. However, few studies have been done in humans.
Dr. Prudden’s initial 1985 report claimed that more
than half of his patients had a complete response to treatment, with
all signs of cancer disappearing. However, as mentioned, this was a
report of cases and not a preplanned study, and some patients received
mainstream treatment at the same time.
Two small studies were conducted after Dr. Prudden’s
report. In the first study of 9 patients with various cancers (reported
in 1985), one patient with advanced kidney cancer was said to have had
a complete response. In the other 8 patients, the cancer continued to
grow. This led to a second study of 22 patients with kidney cancer.
Three of these patients supposedly had a partial response, with the
tumor shrinking by more than half. Although the results were presented
in an abstract at a 1994 conference, they were never fully reported in
a peer-reviewed medical journal. Compared to medical journal articles,
conference presentations typically contain relatively sparse details
about methods of the study and are not scrutinized as thoroughly by
other experts in the same field of research, so it is difficult to
evaluate the design of the study or the validity of conclusions. No
further studies of bovine cartilage have been published in the
available medical literature.
The forms of bovine cartilage given by injection are regulated
as experimental drugs. The products taken by mouth are classified as
dietary supplements.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
This product is sold as a
dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike companies that produce
drugs (which must provide the FDA with results of detailed testing
showing their product is safe and effective before the drug is approved
for sale), the companies that make supplements do not have to show
evidence of safety or health benefits to the FDA before selling their
products. Supplement products without any reliable scientific evidence
of health benefits may still be sold as long as the companies selling
them do not claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any
specific disease. Some such products may not contain the amount of the
herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include
other substances (contaminants). Though the FDA has written new rules
to improve the quality of manufacturing processes for dietary
supplements and the accurate listing of supplement ingredients, these
rules do not take full effect until 2010. And, the new rules do not
address the safety of supplement ingredients or their effects on health
when proper manufacturing techniques are used.
Most such
supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with
medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some
reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full
studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of
these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions
below should be considered incomplete.
Side effects of bovine cartilage are reportedly mild and may
include fever, nausea, and upset stomach. Those allergic to beef
products should avoid it. It is not known whether interactions between
bovine cartilage and other medicines would cause any problems. Relying
on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or delaying conventional
medical care for cancer could have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
National Cancer Institute Physician Data Query (PDQ).
Cartilage (Bovine and Shark). 2006. Accessed at:
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cartilage/healthprofessional. on
June 11, 2008.
Prudden JF: The treatment of human cancer with agents prepared
from bovine cartilage. J
Biol Response Mod. 1985; 4(6): 551-84.
Puccio C, Mittelman A, Chun P, et al.: Treatment of metastatic
renal cell carcinoma with Catrix. [Abstract] Proc Am Soc Clin Oncol.
1994; 13: A-769, 246.
Romano CF, Lipton A, Harvey HA, et al.: A phase II study of
Catrix-S in solid tumors. J
Biol Response Mod. 1985; 4(6): 585-589.
Note:
This
information may not cover all possible claims, uses, actions,
precautions, side effects or interactions. It is not intended as
medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for
consultation with your doctor, who is familiar with your medical
situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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